Synthetic Strategies Towards Cyclic Polymers

Abstract

Abstract Cyclic polymers have attracted considerable interest for their different physical properties compared to the corresponding linear polymers due to the lack of chain ends. The synthesis of cyclic macromolecules has always been a challenge for polymer scientists, mainly due to the difficulties in connecting the ends of the chain. In general, cyclic polymers are synthesized by ring‐closure or ‐expansion techniques, but the main challenge with both methods is the production of highly pure cyclic polymers. In the past two decades, significant developments have been reported, thanks to the advent of controlled polymerizations and efficient coupling reactions in organic chemistry. This article aims to provide a concise overview of the most critical and important synthetic contributions in this field of both ring‐closure and ‐expansion strategies.